Freebase Dali

I'm no mechanic, but there seems to be something wrong with my car:
It won't start...

Ok, here's the thing. I just bought it a couple months ago, it's an 03' Civic (auto) and has been running fine until today.
I crank her off like normal and she starts up and runs for a good 4 seconds and stalls out.
Tried cranking her off again, but this time it doesn't turn over.
Tried waiting then cranking and hitting the gas, no dice.
Scratched head.
Drank beer.

It's not the battery, just changed it 2 weeks ago.
My first suspicion is that maybe some trash got caught up in the fuel pump or something.
My second thought is that maybe my spark plugs are gunked up?
Apart from that, I really don't know. I have a Chilton's for my car, but I really don't know where the issue lies.

Anyone got any clues?

Edit:
It makes a normal cranking sound, just doesn't fully turn over.

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Thrice

Might be the alternator, Im no mechanic either, but have done alot of DYI when problems like yours arose. The alternator charges the battery when the car is running, if the alternator, or belt is not working properly the batt will get drained. I just replaced the alt in my gf car last month and it would start to turn over, but not finish.

Also, my uncle bought a van real cheap when I was younger and it was the same problem, we rebuilt the whole fuel injection but still could only get it to run with starter fluid. It ended up being a fuse, so check all your fuses visually or even with a fuse checker if ya got one, they have cheap ones too if you want to pick one up. Thats all I got for ya. What I like to do is go to auto zone or disc auto parts and read the manuals they have there.

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Lew Harrison, who looked like an anarchist with his red eyes and fierce black beard, had been writing furiously in one corner of the room. "That's good—happiness by the kilowatt," he said. "Buy your happiness the way you buy light."

MURDER JUNKIE

I'd start with the fuel filter, clearly you have a supply problem

coryallen2

You might not have or have to much battery because when you start your car a whole bunch of eletric signals get started goign at the same time.
Heres soem tips mane!

1.Test you eletrical system voltage: The best way to test for electrical system voltage is to use a voltage meter basically a volt meter. I take it you know how to do this so the volts should be anywhere between 12.4 to 12.6.

2. Starter Voltage/Amperage Draw Test: Turn on your head lights and look at them. turn the ignition key if the headlights stay bright the circuit is not connected therefore no voltage drop.If headlights dim wayyyyyy down this means your car does not have enoughe battery power, and if you got a new battery this shoudl not be a problem.

The next part is a little more difficult so im going to consult a website on this and use pictures.

3. Check Neutral Safety Switch/Clutch Safety Switch: . A neutral or clutch safety switch is used to disengage the electrical circuit from the ignition key to the starter motor as a safety device. Automatic transmission vehicle gear selector needs to be either in park or neutral before the engine will crank (Make sure the parking brake is activated). If the gear selector is in any of the other gear sections the engine will not crank over. A standard transmission vehicle the clutch pedal needs to be fully depressed before the engine will crank over. To test this circuit an automotive test light is needed. Attach one end of the test light to engine ground and the other end to the starter trigger terminal of the starter solenoid (small wire). The test light should illuminate when the ignition switch is activated (Crank engine over). If the test light illuminates the starter motor/solenoid has failed and needs to be replaced. If the test light does not illuminate suspect a neutral safety switch or clutch safety switch. A wiring diagram is needed to trace power from the ignition switch through the safety switch and down to the starter solenoid. Replace failed components as needed and recheck system.



4. Check your anti theft system: Alot of new cars (2000 and up) have an anti theft system that will not allow the starter to operate so check that out.

5. Look for internal/external engine damage. Look for "Shiny" oil,chips,wear,ect.ect.

This is all just troubleshooting but i would catch it before you screw up a tranny or something. That can cost big bucks.


But before any of these needs to be done. See if your check engine light is on.

MURDER JUNKIE

It's a fuel problem not a starting problem

The entire purpose of a battery is to simply engage the starter: His car starts

coryallen2

I know but it is'nt cranking over the second time which could be starter,transmission,fuel line could be anything don't rule anything out yet that's how stuff gets ****ered up

MURDER JUNKIE

He said it was cranking, if your battery or starter is gone they either click or do nothing

Take my word for it, it's a fuel problem

For the sake of 20 bucks start with the fuel filter

coryallen2

Yeah but it cranks and then dose'nt hey what the hell may just be a lose wire or something.

MURDER JUNKIE

No

coryallen2

It's probably not going to be the fule line since it cranks the first time. It's going in a pattern. It has to be eletrical.